Election

“It may seem like a small change, but [automatic voter registration] will help modernize our election system, reduce administrative costs, improve the accuracy of voter rolls and make it easier for residents to participate in the democratic process,” said Oʻahu state Sen. Stanley Chang.

Office plans statewide congressional debate and trustee candidate forums.

The state’s free ballot tracking service sends voters updates about the status of their mail ballot and provides deadline reminders throughout the year, plus more.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to review the 2026 Hawaiʻi Candidate’s Manual.

No other candidate has officially filed to run for the No. 2 elected post in the state, but five other candidates have pulled papers, including former Deputy Attorney General John Choi.

The Honolulu attorney said he is launching a people-first movement focused on restoring public trust, strengthening accountability, and lowering the cost of living.

County Councilmember Felicia Cowden officially entered the Kauaʻi mayor race, joining former mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and County Council Chair Mel Rapozo.

A retired Kaua‘i Police captain also filed candidacy for a county council seat.

The political action committee will work to elect leaders who advance equality, protect civil rights and ensure all people — regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or background — can live with dignity, safety and respect.

Nicholas Kealiʻi Lum is weaving tradition and innovation into his in-depth studies of mele at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language.

Commission’s next meeting is Nov. 24, during which members will discuss proposed initiatives including adding to qualifications necessary to be county finance director, prohibiting or limiting gated communities within the county, requiring the Kaua‘i County Cost Control Commission to review the proposed budget of the Office of County Clerk and more.

The councilman previously served as mayor from 2000 to 2018.

Arryl Kaneshiro, who previously had served on the council, works for Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s Kauaʻi compound and first-time office holder Fern Ānuenue Holland works for the nonprofit Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action. 

Former Hawai‘i state legislator, former U.S. congresswoman from Hawai‘i, 2020 Democratic presidential candidate and ex-Hawai‘i Democrat is helping with the process for the president-elect’s return to the White House; says if given the opportunity to raise Hawai‘i concerns to him while in her role, she will “take every advantage of that.”

“Itʻs a testament to her hard work and the amount of respect that people in the building have for her,” State Rep. Luke Evslin said Thursday afternoon.

Democrats dominated elections throughout the islands, although Republicans picked up state Senate and House seats on O‘ahu.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, a semi-autonomous state agency, is made up of nine elected officials who serve four-year terms.

Incumbents U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and U.S. Congresswoman Jill Tokuda win re-election in the 2024 Hawai’i General Election.

Relative newcomer Fern Holland has surpassed Councilmember Ross Kagawa by 102 votes to claim the seventh and final seat on the Kauaʻi County Council.

Check out the 2024 General Election results now!